WHAT DOES "INITIATION" MEAN?

Sometimes there may be some confusion in transcendental cultures as to what is initiation and who can give initiation. Much of the confusion comes from the word "initiation" itself. The English language definitely has its limitation when trying to convey the deep Sastric meanings Sanskrit is designed for.

The actual word is "divya-jnan."

3. cakhu-dan dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei,

    divya-jnan hrde prokasito

prema-bhakti jaha hoite, avidya vinasa jate,

    vede gay jahara carito

Translation:

3. He who has given me the gift of transcendental vision is my Lord, birth after birth. By His mercy Divine knowledge is revealed within the heart, bestowing prema-bhakti and destroying ignorance. The Vedic scriptures sing of His character.

The essence of what is initiation is here: “…Divine knowledge is revealed within the heart.”

There are different levels of progress in the bhakti yoga process. The problem is to distinguish who is at what level of realization...the neophyte who is very much materially attached, the intermediate who has firm faith but is not able to present the philosophy very well and the uttama adhikari...that rare soul who has developed full Krishna consciousness in ecstatic love of Godhead.

As the system within ISKCON is set up at present it is relatively easy for someone who is at an intermediate stage of realization or a neophyte or even an unqualified person who merely appears qualified to external vision to assume the position of "guru" and receive the blessings of the Governing Body Commission. This is simply based on visible performance. This is largely an external consideration with no real capacity to measure whether there is empowerment fordivya jnan or not.

To safeguard against the degradation of the ISKCON institution Srila Prabhupada has set up a system of checks and balances. Where devotees who are seen to at least externally appear to be following the rules and regulations for behavior... 16 rounds and following 4 regulative principles are scrutinized by the Governing Body Commission and can be authorized to act on behalf of Srila Prabhupada as an officiating acarya. That is, they initiate on behalf of Srila Prabhupada not on their own. Certainly a very responsible position within ISKCON. They are held accountable for their actions by the GBC and the Vaishnava community and if there is some deviation they can be chastised.

Who has ever heard of “initiating gurus” being subject to a Governing Body Commission?" Just replace the words “initiating guru” with “one who transmits divya jnan” to see the absurdity.

What kind of guru is that? 

Ritvik system is authorized and is a recognized form of management within a disciplic succession.

This is indeed the system Srila Prabhupada put into place and to continue indefinitely.

The present system is dysfunctional and is an offense to Srila Prabhupada.